Nesting task table

ABSTRACT

A task table ( 100 ) nests inconspicuously with a furniture case good ( 200 ). The table ( 100 ) has a base ( 110 ), a pedestal ( 120 ), and a table top ( 130 ). The pedestal ( 120 ) supports the table top ( 130 ) above the base ( 110 ). The case good ( 200 ) has a front ( 250 ), an opposite back, a left side ( 252 ), an opposite right side, and a top ( 214 ). The sides ( 252 ) extend generally upward from a supporting surface ( 254 ) and support the top ( 214 ) above the surface ( 254 ). A table nest ( 230 ) is defined between the surface ( 254 ) and the top ( 214 ), extends between the sides ( 252 ), and removably receives the table top ( 130 ) in sliding engagement. A base nest ( 210 ) is defined between the sides ( 252 ), extends generally upward from the surface ( 254 ), and removably receives the base ( 110 ) in sliding engagement. A pedestal nest ( 220 ) extends from the base nest ( 210 ) to the table nest ( 230 ) and removably receives the pedestal ( 120 ). The table ( 230 ), base ( 210 ), and pedestal nests ( 220 ) define a task table nest that corresponds to the task table ( 100 ).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Cross-Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/908,063 filed Mar. 26, 2007.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFISHE APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to small office and home office market furniture and more specifically, an accessory task table.

Laptop computers currently outsell tower and other such desktop computers by more than a two to one ratio. Home and office lifestyles are much more mobile now than even just a few years ago. This may be attributed to current office technologies, including their affordability as well as their functionality, such as miniaturization and disconnection as evidenced by laptop and palmtop computers, various wireless peripheral and network connections, and multifunction machines. Users of technology have been taught that technology is adaptable and may be unobtrusive. Thus, their furnishings may also be reconsidered as something other than mere office furniture and more desirably should not look and feel like mere office furniture. Rather, one's environment, furnishings, should integrate into their lifestyle and meet all the functional requirements provided by present and new technologies.

Thus, a need for satellite work centers for laptops, for example, not conventional desk solutions, has developed to avail technology to more user friendly and productive home and office environments.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a nesting task table of the invention provides a flexible and dynamic task support with a nesting task table in combination with a furniture case good. When not required, the nesting task table nests with the case good and is camouflaged to appear as a conventional portion of the case good. Yet, the nesting task table is readily at hand and easily acquired for use.

Generally, a nesting task table of the invention has a base, a pedestal extending generally upward from the base, and a table top supported above the base by the pedestal. A cooperating furniture case good has a front and an opposite back, has a left side and an opposite right side, and has a top. The left and right sides extend generally upward from a supporting surface to the top. The top is supported above the supporting surface by the left and right sides. For the nesting task table, the case good further has a table nest, a base nest, and a pedestal nest. The table nest is defined between the top and the supporting surface, extends between the left and right sides, and is adapted to removably receive the table top in free sliding engagement. The base nest extends generally upward from the supporting surface toward the top, is defined between the left and right sides, and is adapted to removably receive the base in free sliding engagement. The pedestal nest extends from the base nest to the table nest and is adapted to removably receive the pedestal in free sliding engagement. Considered as a whole, the table nest, the base nest, and the pedestal nest define a task table nest that corresponds to the task table so that the task table nests with the case good and is camouflaged to appear as a conventional portion of the case good.

These and other features, objects, and benefits of the invention will be recognized by one having ordinary skill in the art and by those who practice the invention, from this disclosure, including the specification, the claims, and the drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is an upper front and left perspective view of a nesting task table of the invention as embodied with a single pedestal desk, showing the task table not nested;

FIG. 2 is the view of FIG. 1, showing the task table nested;

FIG. 3 is an upper front and left perspective view of a nesting task table of the invention as embodied with a tall chest of drawers, showing the task table not nested;

FIG. 4 is the view of FIG. 3, showing the task table nested;

FIG. 5 is an upper front and left perspective view of a nesting task table of the invention as embodied with a tall display cabinet, showing the task table not nested;

FIG. 6 is an upper front and left perspective view of an entertainment grouping that incorporates the display cabinet of FIG. 5, showing the task table nested;

FIG. 7 is an upper front and left perspective view of a nesting task table of the invention as embodied within a single pedestal desk, somewhat similar to the pedestal desk shown in FIG. 1, and further showing the task table in an un-nested position;

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the nesting task table and pedestal desk illustrated in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is the an upper front and left perspective view of the nesting task table and single pedestal desk shown in FIG. 7, but showing the task table in a nested position;

FIG. 10 is a left end elevation view of the nesting task table and single pedestal desk shown in FIG. 7, with the task table in a nested position;

FIG. 11 is a left end elevation view of the single pedestal desk shown in FIG. 7, and with the task table removed from view;

FIG. 12 is an upper front and left perspective view of a nesting task table of the invention as embodied within a second version of a tall chest of drawers, and showing the task table in an un-nested position, with FIG. 12 showing the chest of drawers with a configuration somewhat similar to the drawers shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 13 is a left end elevation view of the chest of drawers and nesting task table shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an upper front and left perspective view of the nesting task table and chest of drawers shown in FIG. 12, but showing the task table in a nested position;

FIG. 15 is a front elevation view of the nesting task table and tall chest of drawers shown in FIG. 12, but showing the task table in a nested position;

FIG. 16 is a left end elevation view of the nesting task table and tall chest of drawers shown in FIG. 12, with the task table in a nested position;

FIG. 17 is an upper front and right perspective view of a nesting task table of the invention as embodied within a tall display cabinet, with the cabinet being substantially a mirror image of the cabinet illustrated in FIG. 5, and showing the task table in an un-nested position;

FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of the nesting task table illustrated in FIG. 17; and

FIG. 19 is a front and open end elevation view of the nesting task table illustrated in FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of a nesting task table 100 according to the invention is generally shown in the drawing figures and discussed below. Generally, the nesting task table 100 has a base 110, a pedestal 120, and a table top 130. As shown, the nesting task table 100 has a generally C-shaped configuration with the table top 130 and the base 110 being two legs extending in the same general direction from opposite ends of a bight portion that is provided by the pedestal 120.

A cooperating case good 200 may be of any desired configuration or design as is generally shown in the drawing figures and is generally distinguished from other case goods by having a table nest 230, a base nest 210, and a pedestal nest 220. Taken together, the table nest 230, base nest 210, and pedestal nest 220 define a task table nest that corresponds to the nesting task table 100. Thus, the nesting task table 100 most desirably nests in the task table nest of the furniture case good 200 and is camouflaged to appear as a conventional portion of the case good 200.

Because the overall configuration of the furniture case good 200 is not particularly material to the present invention, various case good configurations are shown in the drawing figures to demonstrate this aspect of the invention. Also, common reference numbers are used for the same parts of different configurations. Each of the case goods 200 and the nesting task table 100 may be fabricated of any suitable material, including woods, plastics, metals, and combinations thereof. Further, any method or process of fabrication may be used as is appropriate to the materials selected.

Referring again to the nesting task table 100, the base 110 defines a foundation of the nesting task table 100 and is preferably provided with furniture casters 112 or the like for ease of mobility. Skids and the like may be used in the alternative as desired. The pedestal 120 extends upward from one end of the base 110. Further, the pedestal 120 is readily visible when the nesting task table is nested with the case good 200. Therefore, the pedestal 120 is most preferably provided with an outer facing surface that matches the corresponding case good, so that the nested task table 100 is not conspicuous and appears as a panel of the case good. As shown in various figures of the drawing, the pedestal 120, and the nesting task table 100 as a whole, may appear as a panel of a pedestal desk (FIGS. 1, 2, and 7-11), as drawers of a chest of drawers (FIGS. 3, 4, and 12-16), or as a panel of a storage cabinet (FIGS. 5, 6, and 17-19).

The pedestal 120 supports the task table top 130, which may be cantilevered from the pedestal 120, completing a C-shaped configuration as discussed above. The table top 130 may be a fixed member as is generally shown in the drawing figures, or may be provided with a fold leaf 134 (FIGS. 3, 12, and 13). Thus, one who makes the nesting task table 100 is free to choose the size of task table top, rather than being limited by the configuration of the companion case good 200.

As earlier stated, each of the various case goods described herein and disclosed in the drawings will be identified as a case good 200. With respect to the variations among the case goods 200, the principal material distinctions relate to the provisions of the case good itself and its structure and configuration for receiving the corresponding nesting task table 100. In this regard, it should also be noted that in view of the relative similarities of the example embodiments of nesting task tables in accordance with the invention, each of the task tables is referred to by reference number as a nesting task table 100. However, it should be emphasized that various types of nesting task tables, differing with respect to size, structure and configuration, may be utilized without departing from the principal concepts of the invention.

Turning first to the cooperating case good 200 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the case good 200 can be characterized as a pedestal desk 248. The pedestal desk 248 can be characterized as including a front 250 and an opposite back (not shown). The pedestal desk 248 also includes a left side 252, an opposite right side (not shown) and a top 214. The left side 252 and the right side (not shown) extend generally upwardly from a supporting floor or surface 254, to a top 214 as is conventionally known in furniture case goods. The previously referenced table nest 230 is defined between the top 214 and the supporting surface 254, and extends between the left side 252 and right side (not shown). The table nest 230, as primarily shown in FIG. 1, is located in this particular pedestal desk 248 immediately below the top 214. The table nest 230 is anticipated as typically being a generally rectangular pocket or generally horizontally oriented void space, having an open side 256 (FIG. 1) that penetrates the interior of the case good pedestal desk 248. Of course, it will be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art that various different and specific configurations may be utilized, in accordance with preferences of fabricators.

More particularly, the table nest 230 is positioned above the floor 254 so as to match the elevation of the nesting task table top 130 above the floor 254. Further, the table nest 230 is configured so as to correspond to and is dimensioned at least as large as the nesting task table top 130. Thus, the table nest 230 is adapted to removably receive the table top 130 in what is preferably a free sliding engagement.

With further reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the corresponding base nest 210 is similarly provided in the cooperating case good or desk 248. As shown in FIG. 1, the base nest 210 may typically be provided as a generally rectangular void spaced below the table nest 230, adjacent the level of the floor 254. Again, however, various configurations may be utilized. One may, accordingly, generally describe the base nest 210 as extending generally upward from the supporting surface 254 toward the top 214, and defined between the left side 252 and right side (not shown) between the front 250 and the back (not shown) of the pedestal desk 248. As with the table nest 230, the base nest 210 is also adapted to removably receive the base 110 of the nesting task table 100 in a free sliding engagement.

The pedestal nest 220 may be somewhat different from the table nest 230 and the base nest 210, if only because of its generally vertical orientation. The pedestal nest 210 also connects between the table nest 230 and the base nest 210. Beyond that, the pedestal 120 may have an outer surface 258 which remains revealed when the nesting task table 100 is nested with the pedestal desk 248. Correspondingly, when nested, almost the entirety of the remainder of the nesting task table 100 is concealed by the corresponding pedestal desk 248. Accordingly, the pedestal nest 220 does not encase the pedestal 120 in the same manner that the table nest 230 may encase the table top 130, or the base nest 210 may encase the base 110 between the case good 248 and the floor 254. Instead, the pedestal nest 220 may be considered to “wrap around” or “cradle” the pedestal 120, so as to removably receive the pedestal 120 and present the outer surface 258. The nested configuration of the nesting task table 100 and the pedestal desk 248 is illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 illustrates an un-nested configuration of a nested task table 100 with a chest of drawers 260. The chest of drawers 260 includes a left side 262, right side (not shown), front 264 and top 266. As with the pedestal desk 248, the chest of drawers 260 also includes a table nest 230, base nest 210 and pedestal nest 220. In this particular embodiment, the nesting task table 100 is adapted to nest and be received within the front 264 of the chest of drawers 260, at a position essentially corresponding to the lower half of the chest of drawers 260. Also, as earlier stated, the particular nesting task table 100 illustrated in FIG. 3 includes a fold leaf 134 which may be extendable outwardly from the table top 130 immediately above the pedestal 120.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of the chest of drawers 260 shown in FIG. 3, with the nested task table 100 being fully received within the drawers 260.

FIG. 5 illustrates the use of one of the nesting task tables 100 in accordance with the invention with a tall display cabinet 268. With reference to FIG. 5, the tall display cabinet 268 is conventional in nature with a front 270, left side 272 and right side (not shown). The cabinet 268 also includes a top 276 and is supported on a floor or other support surface 254. With this particular cabinet 268, the nesting task table 100 is received within the lower half of the left side 272. Specifically, the task table 100 includes the base 110, pedestal 120 and table top 130. Correspondingly, the left side 272 of the cabinet 268 includes a table nest 230, base nest 210 and pedestal nest 220. The table nest 230 is positioned as shown in FIG. 5 upwardly along the left side 272 from the floor 254. The nesting task table 100, in this particular instance, is shown with a hand-pull recess 274 which may be extendable outwardly from the position immediately below the pedestal 120. The hand-pull recess 274 is illustrated in its retracted position in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 illustrates what could be characterized as an upper front and left perspective view of an entertainment grouping 280. In the particular grouping 280, which is merely an example embodiment of how nesting task tables in accordance with the invention may be utilized, the grouping 280 includes the tall display cabinet 268 positioned on the left side (as viewed from the front) of the grouping 280, with the display cabinet 268 corresponding to the cabinet 268 previously described herein with respect to FIG. 5. Positioned at the center of the grouping 280 and to the right side of the display cabinet 268 is a center credenza 282 having somewhat of a conventional configuration. The credenza 282 supports a TV stand 284, with a television 286 mounted thereon. To the right side of the center credenza 282 is a second tall display cabinet 290. If desired, the second tall display cabinet 290 can substantially correspond in size and structural configuration to the tall display cabinet 268. However, the second tall display cabinet 290 may include a nesting task table (not shown) adapted to be received within the right side (not shown) of the second tall display cabinet 290. Accordingly, the second tall display cabinet 290 can be characterized as being configured as a “mirror image” of the tall display cabinet 268.

A further pedestal desk 292 adapted to be used with a nesting task table 100 in accordance with the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 7-11. With reference first to FIGS. 7 and 8, the pedestal desk 292 includes a front 294 and an opposite back (not shown). The pedestal desk 292 also includes a left side 296, an opposite right side (not shown) and a top 298. The left side 296 and the right side (not shown) extend generally upwardly from a supporting floor or surface 254, to the top 298 as is conventionally known in furniture case goods. The pedestal desk 292 further includes a table nest 230 which may be characterized as being defined at its upper portion by the top 298 and at its lower portion by the pedestal nest 220 of the desk 292. The table nest 230 extends inwardly into the pedestal desk 292 from the left side 296. As with the pedestal desk and nesting task table shown in FIG. 1, the table nest 230 associated with the pedestal desk 292 is located immediately below the top 298. More specifically, the table nest 230 is positioned above the floor 254 so as to match the elevation of the nesting task table top 130 above the floor 254. Accordingly, the table nest 230 is adapted to removably receive the table top 130 in what is preferably a free sliding engagement.

With further reference primarily to FIGS. 7 and 8, the corresponding base nest 210 is similarly provided in the pedestal desk 292. The base nest 210, in this particular instance, can be a generally rectangular void spaced below the table nest 230, adjacent the level of floor 254. As with the table nest 230, the base nest 210 is also adapted to removably receive the base 110 of the nesting task table 100 in a free sliding engagement.

The pedestal nest 220 has a generally vertical orientation, and connects between the table nest 230 and the base nest 210. The pedestal 120 of the nesting task table may have an outer surface 300 which remains revealed when the task table 100 is nested with the pedestal desk 292. Correspondingly, almost the entirety of the remainder of the nesting task table 100 is concealed by the corresponding pedestal desk 292 when the table 100 is nested with the desk 248. The pedestal nest 220 may be characterized as “wrapping around” or “cradling” the pedestal 120, so as to removably receive the pedestal 120 and present the outer surface 300.

A second version of a chest of drawers 302 adapted for use with a nesting task table 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 12-16. FIG. 12 is an upper front and left perspective view of the nesting task table 100 with the second version of the tall chest of drawers 302, and showing the task table 100 in an un-nested position. With respect primarily to FIGS. 12 and 13, the second version of the chest of drawers 302 includes a left side 304, right side (not shown), front 306 and top 308. A series of drawers 312 are located in the upper half of the front 306. Immediately below the drawers 312 is a table nest 230. Immediately below the table nest 230 is the pedestal nest 220, with the pedestal nest 220 having a vertical orientation. Below the pedestal nest 220 is the base nest 210. The nesting task table 100 includes the base 110, pedestal 120 and table top 130. In this particular instance, the table top 130 is illustrated as not only being receivable within the table nest 230 of the chest of drawers 302, but also slidable relative to the pedestal 120. Also in this particular embodiment, the nesting task table 100 is adapted to nest and be received within the front 306 of the chest of drawers 302, at a position essentially corresponding to the lower half of the chest of drawers 302, immediately below the lowermost drawer 312.

FIG. 13 is a left end elevation view of the chest of drawers 302 and nesting task table 100. FIG. 14 is an upper front and left perspective view of the table 100 and chest of drawers 302, showing the table 100 in the nested position. FIG. 15 is a front elevation view of the table 100 and chest of drawers 302, with the table 100 in a nested position. Correspondingly, FIG. 16 is a left end elevation view of the table 100 and chest of drawers 302, with the table 100 in a nested position.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 17, 18 and 19, which illustrate a display cabinet 304 which may be utilized with a nesting task table 100 in accordance with the invention. With some minor structural variations, the tall display cabinet 304 is substantially a mirror image of the display cabinet 268 illustrated in FIG. 5. Accordingly, and again with some minor structural differences, the tall display cabinet 304 is substantially similar to the second tall display cabinet 290 illustrated with the entertainment grouping 280 in FIG. 6. FIG. 17 specifically is an upper front and right perspective view of the nesting task table 100 of the invention as embodied within the tall display cabinet 304, and showing the task table 100 in an un-nested position. Correspondingly, FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of the nesting task table 100 illustrated in FIG. 17, while FIG. 19 is a drawing which may be characterized as a front and open end elevation view of the nesting task table 100 illustrated in FIG. 17. The tall display cabinet 304 includes, as shown in FIG. 17, a right side 308, left side (not shown), front 306 and top 310. The cabinet 304 also includes a table nest 230, base nest 210 and pedestal nest 220. In this particular embodiment, the nesting task table 100 is adapted to nest and be received within the right side 308 of the tall display cabinet 304, at a position essentially corresponding to a lower half of the display cabinet 304. The nesting task table 100 includes a base 110 adapted to be received within the base nest 210, and a table top 130 adapted to be received within the table nest 230. Vertically extending between the base 110 and the table top 130 is a pedestal 120 having an outer surface 312. In part, the display cabinet 304 is illustrated and described herein so as to show the concept that nesting task tables in accordance with the invention are not limited to being receivable only within one side or a front of a case good.

One having ordinary skill in the art and those who practice the invention will understand from this disclosure that various modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosed inventive concept. One will also understand that various relational terms, including left, right, front, back, top, and bottom, for example, may be used in this detailed description of the invention and in the claims only to convey relative positioning of various elements of the claimed invention without limitation to the invention. 

1. A combination of a furniture case good with a nesting task table, comprising: a task table having a base, a pedestal extending generally upward from the base, and a table top, the pedestal extending from the base to the top, the top being supported above the base by the pedestal; and a cooperating furniture case good having a front and an opposite back, having a left side and an opposite right side, and having a top, the left and right sides extending generally upward from a supporting surface to the top, the top being supported above the supporting surface by the left and right sides, the case good further having a table nest defined between the top and the supporting surface and extending between the left and right sides, having a base nest extending generally upward from the supporting surface toward the top and defined between the left and right sides, and having a pedestal nest extending from the base nest to the table nest, the table nest being adapted to removably receive the table top in free sliding engagement, the base nest being adapted to removably receive the base in free sliding engagement, the pedestal nest being adapted to removably receive the pedestal in free sliding engagement, whereby the table nest, the base nest, and the pedestal nest define a task table nest that corresponds to the task table so that the task table nests with the case good and is camouflaged to appear as a conventional portion of the case good. 